WATCH: Harrogate man closing in on 120 marathons in 120 days
Graham Wilson has challenged himself to run and walk 120 marathons for charity
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
A retired Harrogate police officer who set off on his journey to complete 120 marathons in 120 days is closing in on his final leg.
Graham Wilson has covered 16.2 miles every day since setting off in June this year, covering every county across the UK along the way.
He's doing it in aid of a number of local charities, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Harrogate Homeless Project, raising nearly £50,000.
WATCH: Our reporter Natalie Higgins joined Graham on day 118 of his 120 day challenge
Today (21 October) Graham, a few friends and our reporter Natalie Higgins set off from Pannal for day 118 of the 120 day challenge.
He said: "It's been a bit of a slog but most days have been enjoyable. Some days I've struggled with it but we're 3100 miles in and we can see the light at the end of the tunnel on Saturday.
"I don't think any amount of training could've prepared me for the 120 days on my feet. There have been some days where I've been thrown out of bed in the morning and told to get on with it and that's what I've done.
"We've been in every county in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland. A lot of the places I'd never been to before and I'm really surprised at how beautiful the UK is. People are quick to rush off to holidays abroad and I was one of those people but there is a lot to be said about the UK.
The original route also included time across Europe, but the pandemic meant Graham had to stick to walking routes within the UK.
But he's not been doing the journey alone. He's been joined by his wife, daughter and on some routes his dog Tilly.
Graham's had to invest in seven pairs of trainers for the walks to make up for the three million steps it has taken for him to get to this point.
"I'm glad to be back in North Yorkshire for the last leg. It's been bliss," Graham, added.
"The campervan has been great but there is nothing like home comforts. We've had 17 weeks away from home but it's lovely to get back in your own bed."
This Saturday Graham is set to complete his 120th marathon at the Den on Cambridge Road.
You can donate to his fundraiser here.